Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

RIVER

R iver awoke feeling prickly all over. She groaned as the sheets felt like gravel on her skin.

She opened her eyes to darkness. She looked around for a light but had no idea where one was. She scanned for her phone, trying to remember where she'd put it. She didn't even remember getting back to the estate the night before. What was going on?

She sat up, the room spun, and the air felt like a blanket suffocating her. She peered at the wall where she remembered a window being and got to her feet wobbly. Instantly, she knew she was naked because she could feel every inch of her lady parts rubbing against her legs. What the hell?

She went to touch herself and found her body swollen and hot. That couldn't be good. She tried to remember what she'd been taught in biology class about when your privates were cold, it meant you were close to freezing to death. If they were hot and swollen, did that mean she was close to overheating? Something told her that wasn't the case. Either way, she moved disjointedly to the curtains and pushed them aside before grabbing the window and cranking it open. The fresh air washed over her bare skin, making it pebble and offering a slight relief.

River moaned in satisfaction. She breathed in deep and was struck by a scent.

"What the hell?"

River turned to find Cherry lying on the floor by the doors. Cherry wiped the sleep from her eyes, looked at River, and then noticed the open window.

Cherry leapt to her feet and raced for the window, cranking it shut again.

"Mom?" River stared at Cherry.

Cherry pushed River back from the window and closed the curtains again. "Don't open that."

"It's stifling in here."

Her mom didn't answer. Instead, she sniffed River and then looked her up and down. River pulled the top sheet closer around herself.

"Mom, what are you doing in here?"

Cherry didn't speak. Instead, she blew out a breath and stretched her muscles, rubbing her neck.

River watched for a moment, and then her patience snapped.

"Mom! What are you doing in here?"

Cherry groaned. "Stop yelling. I'm exhausted."

"Why are you sleeping on my floor?"

"To keep your two mates out of here." Cherry walked over and sat on River's bed before groaning.

"Why can't I open the window?" The sheet slipped off River's torso, and she looked down. "Why am I naked?"

"Because I figured you would be more comfortable that way." Cherry didn't look at her.

"What?" River scratched at her arms, which felt hot and prickly once again. She licked her lips. "I need something to drink."

Cherry nodded.

"Are you gonna tell me what is going on?"

Cherry stopped. "Do you want water or to know what is going on?"

"Both."

"Well, pick the order. I can't get you water and tell you what's going on at the same time."

River growled. Her wolf's tail swished in agitation. She paced and panted, acting… weird, which made River all that twitchier.

"Tell me first, then water."

Cherry looked at her for a moment and then nodded. "Okay, the short version is, you are going into heat, and your mates need to help you through it, or it will be excruciating and could end up killing you."

River blinked twice. "I'm sorry, what?"

Cherry blew out a breath. "The pills I gave you that you've taken since you were twelve?"

"Yeah."

"You stopped taking them."

"When I found Ares, I didn't need to hide anymore."

"They weren't just so others couldn't smell you. They also kept you from going into full heat. But you stopped taking them after you met Ares, which means you had nothing blocking you from going into a full-blown heat like when you were twelve. And now you've found your mates, and I guess taking the blockers for so long and stopping sent your wolf and moon cycle into overdrive, and, well, here we are."

River tried to process her mom's words. She was going into heat? Like the first time?

"But… I'm not mated," said River weakly. "Can't you just get me whatever you gave me that first time?"

"It's too late. I won't be able to get it here in time. And you not being mated compound matters, but they've both agreed to take turns helping you through the next few days."

River's eyebrows smashed together. "They? Apollo and Ares agreed to help me, how?"

Cherry huffed and rolled her eyes. "How do you think, River? They're gonna do what they've wanted to do since the moment they met you. And you will want them just as bad, if not more. You are going to want and need them to have sex with you. A lot of sex. And you will need them to knot you as well. It will be the only thing short of knocking you unconscious that will ease the need starting inside you."

Sex. She needed to have to have sex with Ares and Apollo? Both of them? A lot? Part of her cheered to get what she wanted from both of them. But the other part…

"They agreed to this?"

"They don't have a choice if they don't want to hear you crying in agony for the next several days."

"Did you say this could kill me?"

Cherry shrugged. "Technically, yes. It hasn't happened in a long time, but it is possible if you don't get what you need, your temperature could keep rising, and you could die."

River pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. An itch started between her legs, and she fought the urge to rub it.

She took in all of Cherry's words and let them play and replay in her mind until she couldn't take any more and blew out a breath. Cherry poured her a glass of water. River hadn't even noticed her leaving to get it.

Cherry handed River the glass, and she gulped it and then handed it back.

"Okay. I am assuming this isn't going to be a threesome type of thing. That not only would be weird, but they would most likely kill each other, and that would defeat the point."

"Apollo will take the first shift."

That surprised River. She couldn't believe Ares would ever have agreed to that.

"He's the oldest, and he will be gentler with you. You'll want Ares in the end, though, and I'm sure he will be able to satisfy you more aggressively."

River's cheeks heated. "Thanks for that, but TMI, Mom. TMI."

Cherry shrugged. "I figured you should know what was coming over the next few days."

"I should have known what was coming for the last decade."

Cherry licked her lips. "I thought what I did what was best. I can't explain why. I just did. But I was wrong. I'm sorry."

River had to consciously keep her mouth from falling open. Her mom both apologized and said she was wrong. In the same sentence. Two things she couldn't remember her mom ever saying. River watched Cherry for a minute, and for the first time, she saw pain and fear in her mom's eyes.

"You did the best you could."

Cherry opened her mouth but then closed it again.

River rubbed her arms. "Well, I already feel hot and sticky, and my lady parts are swollen, and I could use a cool shower."

Cherry nodded. "You shower, and I'll get you some food. You'll need your strength."

Cherry turned to leave.

"Mom?"

Cherry turned back.

"Thank you for all you've done for me. I know this is uncomfortable, but I'm glad you're here." River's throat clenched, and she tried to swallow down a lump.

Cherry gave her a sad smile. "Me too, baby girl."

River's chest squeezed, and a tear leaked out of her eye. She couldn't remember the last time her mom called her that.

River's wolf panted and whined. She'd barely become conscious when an aching thrumming need pulsed through her. She grumbled and then whimpered. Her skin felt prickly and warm, but she no longer felt agitated. Now she felt… horny. She'd never wanted sex so much in her life.

So this was happening. She was going into heat. Full-blown, all-out heat. She shook her head. This was not how she had hoped things would go for her and her mates.

A soft knock sounded on her door. She pushed at her hair, which she'd not even brushed after her shower, before gobbling down everything Cherry brought her to eat and falling asleep.

No one would want to have sex with her, looking like a big foot in a thunderstorm. At least she didn't stink.

"Come in," she called.

The doors opened, and Apollo entered. His scent overpowered her and made her need ratchet up even higher. She held back an audible moan.

"Hey, Kitten. How are you feeling?"

Was he serious? A wave of need shot through her, and she whined.

Apollo moved to her side in an instant. He reached up and touched her face. The feel of his skin on hers made her moan louder.

She stared at him, and he watched her, unsure. Did he not want her anymore?

"How did you know I was awake?"

"I heard you."

"Were you right outside my door?"

He shook his head. "Ever since you… started… my senses and wolf have become more acutely attuned to you. I heard your breathing from my room and could tell when you woke up."

Damn. She thought about making a joke, but the strange look on his face and the rigidity of his body made her stop herself.

She swallowed hard. "I understand if you don't want to do this. I'm sorry you've been put in this position."

His eyebrows drew together. "Why are you sorry? You're the one taking the brunt of what is happening."

"Because I know this isn't what you wanted."

He chuckled. "Are you kidding me? I've wanted to make love to you since I smelled you in the hallway that first day."

"Yes, but-"

He pressed his finger to her lips and then cupped her cheek. "I know that this isn't how either of us saw our first time being together going, but what does it matter how we got here? We're here."

"You don't look like you want to be."

"Honestly?"

"Of course." Though unsure, she wanted to hear what would come next.

"I'm trying to be a gentleman. Every inch of me and my wolf wants to take you right now, and just holding back is a test of restraint I never thought I would have to face."

River smiled and turned her face to kiss his palm before opening her mouth and sucking his finger into it. Apollo's eyes closed, and he shuddered.

She swirled his finger in her mouth, tasting and feeling it with her tongue. A moment passed, and Apollo ripped his finger away and replaced it with his lips. River grabbed onto him and pulled him closer. She needed his touch, his taste, him.

She kissed him harder, claiming his mouth. Apollo threaded his hands into her hair and tugged lightly, making her mewl. He broke the kiss and kissed down the side of her throat.

"Apollo," she choked out his name.

His tongue slid down her throat. A growl escaped him as he licked over her collarbone and down to the top of where the sheet covered her.

"Apollo, wait." She couldn't believe the words came out of her mouth.

He stopped. "Are you all right? Do you not want this? Do you not want me?"

The fear in his eyes shot straight through her.

She shook her head. "No. I mean, yes, I want you. I just… I have to know that you are okay with me also needing Ares. I know I should have chosen between you sooner, and I'm sorry for the pain this is putting you through, but-"

Apollo kissed her. "I understand you didn't ask for this, just like we didn't. I don't want to think of Ares. I just want to be here with you. This is our time, and when it's over, I'll go and think only about the memories of you in my arms."

River's bottom lip quivered. "I don't deserve you."

He brushed her cheek with his knuckles. "Kitten, you deserve so much more than I alone can give you. I'm starting to understand that."

What did that mean? Did that mean he was okay with her not choosing between them?

She didn't get a chance to ask because Apollo slid his arms under her and pulled her and the sheet into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Are we going somewhere?"

He nodded. "To my room."

She realized for the first time that she hadn't been in his or Ares' rooms. A thrill of anticipation whirled through her to know that he took her somewhere so private and intimate. His place.

He carried her across the hall and opened the door. His scent overpowered. She looked around, not surprised to see his décor consisted of beautiful yet simple furniture. A large wooden bed that reminded her of the bed she'd slept in at the cabin. A large entertainment center took up one wall filled with the best electronics one could buy. The room rounded out with an electric fireplace and a large desk and dresser. An ancient-looking rug covered the wooden floors, and an old quilt covered the king-sized bed with jersey sheets.

He laid her on the bed, and the soft sheets caressed her skin. River watched as Apollo unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his muscular physique. A ripple of desire tore through her as he unbuckled his belt and slid off his jeans. She took in his hard-muscled body.

Every glorious inch of him was followed by an even more beautiful line, muscle, or sinew. Another wave of need washed through her, and she stood and let the sheet drop from her body.

A mixture of desire and nervousness battled inside her as she stood, waiting, watching to see his reaction.

Apollo stepped up to her and kissed her tenderly. "You are so beautiful, River."

His words shot straight through her, and her wolf howled.

"Apollo, I need you," she whispered. "Make love to me."

He kissed her again, and this time, his mouth heated with need. He wrapped his arms around her and guided her back to his bed, where he laid her down and then kissed the length of her body.

River fisted her hands in the sheets. Her need growing with each passing moment.

"Apollo." She could barely get the words out from all the emotions and sensations running through her. Her wolf got down on all fours, butt in the air, ready for Apollo to take them. Her body hummed with the need to feel him inside her, and her mind could only pray Ares wasn't anywhere that he could hear or smell them.

Apollo bit the inside of her thigh, and she gasped.

"Apollo, stop teasing."

He bit her hip. "I'm not. I'm trying to make this last longer for you."

She grabbed his hair. "Trust me, there will be enough opportunities to draw things out later. Right now, I need you inside me."

His eyes turned black, and he prowled up her body, settling between her spread legs. He kissed her, and she lapped at his tongue greedily. A painful wave of need rushed through her but dissolved the moment he entered her.

River clawed at his back and moaned at the feel of him. So big. So hard. So amazing. He filled her so entirely that pain mixed with pleasure, and she couldn't concentrate on anything except him.

Apollo's arms shook as he kissed her. He stopped and leaned his forehead to hers. He breathed in and out harshly. His fangs descended and then retracted.

She touched his face, making him open his eyes to look at her. "Are you okay?"

He shook his head. "My wolf… he's trying to take over… he wants…"

"What? Tell me what he wants. What you want."

"I want to bite you. To mark you and make you mine."

River's wolf howled, wanting the same thing.

"Then bite me, Apollo. Bite me and make me yours."

He looked at her uncertainly. "Are you sure? If I do this…"

She kissed him hard and bit his lower lip, drawing blood.

Apollo growled and then broke his lips away, and his fangs lengthened once more. River turned her head to the side, and he thrust into her again. She clung to him as more sensations raced through her, hot as fire but sharp as an ice shard.

He rocked into her a third time, and that was all it took to get her on the edge.

"Apollo now," she commanded.

He obeyed her plea, and he lowered his fangs to her neck. He bit her hard enough to break the skin, and she cried out as he rocked into her again, making her explode. Her wolf overtook her, and River's fang descended, and she bit into Apollo's muscular neck, his blood bursting into her mouth, and her wolf howled.

River wrapped her legs around his waist as her body shattered around him, and he rocked into her again and again until his fang disengaged, and he roared. Every muscle in his body tensed as he continued to rock into her several more times.

He kissed her long and languidly, making her mewl with delight. Purring erupted from Apollo's chest and washed over her, making her relax and kiss him harder.

After several minutes, Apollo pulled away and looked deep into her eyes.

"I love you, River. I need you to know that. To know that no matter what happens in the future, I am yours, and you are mine no matter what." A touch of sadness crossed his features, and she cupped his cheek.

"Don't say it back. I don't want you to say it. Not now. I want you to say it when you are ready, but I needed you to know."

River went to unwrap her legs, but he stopped her.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Kitten. That would be quite painful for both of us."

She tried to understand his words and then realized what he meant. They were knotted.

She wrapped her legs back around him, and he dropped down on top of her and kissed her again. Bliss washed over her and left her both happy and sated.

He loved her. He'd said he loved her. And they'd marked each other. She'd chosen him. Her thoughts traveled to Ares. What would he say? What would he do? A pang of guilt swept through her as Apollo slid out of her and pulled her into his chest. She swirled her fingers in the soft smattering of hair that sprouted there. She nipped and kissed his skin, and as she did, desire flooded her again.

She groaned.

"What's wrong?" He pulled her into his arms.

"It's… not over."

He chuckled. "Good, because that is not the impression I want to leave you with for our first night together."

Apollo rolled her onto her back as another more forceful wave pushed through her core.

He suckled one breast while palming the other. "Don't worry, Kitten. I know just what you need."